Patients With Asthma and Seasonal Allergies Respond Better to Advair(R) for Their Asthma Than Singulair(TM)

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and TORONTO, May 18
— Patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis, or seasonal allergies,
experience significantly better lung function when treated with Advair
Diskus(R) (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) as
compared with Singulair (montelukast sodium). The results of the
660-subject study were presented today at the International Conference of
the American Thoracic Society meeting in Toronto.

“These findings give us a greater understanding of how to treat
patients with asthma and seasonal allergies, two diseases that often are
seen in tandem,” said Rohit Katial, MD, National Jewish Medical Research
Center. “By using the right combination of treatments, physicians can help
patients gain relief from the symptoms of both diseases.”

The study included people age 15 and up who had both persistent asthma
and seasonal allergies. Patients received one of four different treatments:
Advair Diskus 100/50 twice daily, Singulair 10 mg once daily, Advair 100/50
twice daily with Singulair 10 mg once daily or Advair 100/50 twice daily
with fluticasone propionate nasal spray 200 mcg once daily. Those who
received Advair alone had significant improvements in their morning peak
expiratory flow, a measure of asthma control, as compared with Singulair
alone (p<0.001). Secondary endpoints, including symptom-free days and
rescue-treatment-free days, were significantly increased in the Advair
group compared with the Singulair group. The incidence of adverse events
was similar among all groups.

Advair Diskus combines two medications in one device to help prevent
and control asthma symptoms. Asthma causes inflammation (swelling in the
airways) and airway constriction (the tightening of muscles that surround
the airways), and Advair contains both an inhaled corticosteroid,
fluticasone propionate, to reduce inflammation; and an inhaled long-acting
bronchodilator, salmeterol, to help prevent and reduce airway constriction.
Advair is for people who still have symptoms on another asthma controller,
or whose disease severity clearly warrants treatment with two maintenance
therapies.

Important Information about Advair

Advair won’t replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms and
should not be taken more than twice a day. Advair contains salmeterol. In
patients with asthma, medicines like salmeterol may increase the chance of
asthma- related death. So Advair is not for people whose asthma is well
controlled on another controller medicine. People should speak to their
doctor about the risks and benefits of treating their asthma with Advair.
People taking Advair should see their doctor if their asthma does not
improve. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. People should tell their
doctor if they have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Some people
may experience increased blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in heart
rhythm. Advair Diskus is for patients 4 years and older. For patients 4 to
11 years old, Advair Diskus 100/50 is for those who have asthma symptoms
while on an inhaled corticosteroid. Advair HFA is for patients 12 years and
older.

For best results, use Flonase daily. Your nasal symptoms may begin to
improve in as few as 12 hours. Maximum relief may take several days.
Results may vary. If side effects, they are generally mild and may include
headache, nosebleed, or sore throat.

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